Semiconductor device having a first base, a thin film transistor, and a second base

ABSTRACT

To provide a thin film integrated circuit at low cost and with thin thickness, which is applicable to mass production unlike the conventional glass substrate or the single crystalline silicon substrate, and a structure and a process of a thin film integrated circuit device or an IC chip having the thin film integrated circuit. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a first insulating film over one surface of a silicon substrate, forming a layer having at least two thin film integrated circuits over the first insulating film, forming a resin layer so as to cover the layer having the thin film integrated circuit, forming a film so as to cover the resin layer, grinding a backside of one surface of the silicon substrate which is formed with the layer having the thin film integrated circuit, and polishing the ground surface of the silicon substrate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of asemiconductor device including a flexible thin film integrated circuithaving a memory, a microprocessor (central processing unit, a CPU), orthe like with a thin thickness like paper. The present invention furtherrelates to a manufacturing method of a non-contact type thin filmintegrated circuit device including the thin film integrated circuit andan antenna, which is used for a card, a tag, a label, or the like todistinguish human, animals and plants, products, paper money, or thelike mainly.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, development of a semiconductor device which cantransmit/receive data is actively advanced, and such a semiconductordevice is called as an IC chip, an RF tag, a wireless tag, an electronictag, a wireless processor, a wireless memory, or the like. Mostsemiconductor devices, which have been already put into practical use,are formed with single crystalline silicon substrates (hereinafter,referred to as IC chips in some case). Such semiconductor devices arefrequently used in a product form such as a sheet type and a card type,and thus, required to be thin and flexible. Thus, a semiconductorelement is thinned by grinding and polishing a backside of a basematerial.

Generally, the backside polish of a single crystalline silicon substrateincluding an integrated circuit is accomplished by final polishing witha loose grain after grinding with a whetstone, which is sometimescarried out in combination with etching with acid or alkal. The finalthickness of the base material is required to be 100 μm or less toobtain a mirror-polished state, and a thickness of 500 μm or less isrequired for obtaining a sufficient flexibility. Development of thinnerproducts become possible by polishing a semiconductor element thinner,and production technique is competed.

The element thinned by grinding and polishing is connected to anexternal antenna and sealed with a film or resin so that products suchas a card and tag are manufactured. A built-in antenna type in which anantenna is formed directly over an element is sealed with a film orresin, and various products can be manufactured. In this manner, an ICchip can be used in various ways without limitation on its application,by making its final state thin and flexible.

The step of polishing the conventional IC card is described in thePatent Document 1 below.

It is possible to manufacture a thin semiconductor element by grindingand polishing a base material in order to obtain a non-singlecrystalline silicon thin film transistor circuit which is manufacturedover an insulating substrate such as a glass substrate, in addition toan integrated circuit over a single crystalline silicon substrate. Thenon-single crystalline silicon thin film transistor can be formed over alarge and inexpensive glass substrate, and manufacturing cost can bereduced considerably compared with a semiconductor element using asingle crystalline silicon wafer.

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei3-87299

However, there are various restrictions on the shape, step, or the likein the case of manufacturing a thin element using a glass substrate as abase material. As a glass substrate used as a base material, anon-polished substrate manufactured by a fusion method is generally usedin order to reduce a manufacturing cost. Polishing is necessary for aglass substrate manufactured by a float process; however, only one sideis polished for reducing cost. Thus, since there is variation in athickness in the range from several μm to several ten μm on one or bothsides of a glass substrate, variation in the thickness of a substratesurface is generated in thinning process of 100 μm or less withpolishing. Thus, yield of the element is lowered.

On the other hand, variation in a substrate thickness is less likely tobe generated if a substrate of which both surfaces are polished is used.However, it is difficult to prepare a large apparatus in accordance witha large glass substrate or to polish a large substrate uniformly. Thus,there is a problem such that cost reduction in a step using a smallsingle crystalline silicon substrate or a quartz substrate cannot beachieved.

In the same manner, even if a small substrate of which both surfaces arepolished is used, the number of products manufactured per unit areareduces. Thus, cost tends to increase. In addition, a substrate havingcorners is unsuitable for a grinding and polishing apparatus having arotational friction structure, and there is a problem such that a cornerdefect and crack is easily produced. Therefore, a round substrate havingan excellent symmetric as a single crystalline substrate is preferablefor a rotational friction structure; however, cost tends to increasewhen a glass substrate is processed into a round shape.

Therefore, it is very difficult to manufacture a non-single crystallinesilicon thin film transistor element over a glass substrate having athickness of 100 μm or less at low cost and high yield. Thus,development of a product with a thin element using an inexpensive glasssubstrate as a base material cannot be carried out, and a thin elementusing an expensive single crystalline silicon substrate as a basematerial is used for a product at present. As a result, expansion ofmarkets is suppressed.

In the case where a glass substrate is used, since its melting point isa rate-controlling point, it is generally manufactured with a lowtemperature process of 600° C. or less. For example, the temperature islimited for a field effect polysilicon thin film transistor manufacturedwith a glass substrate, in a process of crystallization and activationof a polysilicon layer to be an active layer and in a process where ahigh temperature is advantageous for forming a gate oxide film, or thelike. Thus, there has been a problem such that electric properties aredeteriorated compared with a field effect transistor manufactured with asingle crystalline silicon substrate or a quartz substrate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is made in the view of forgoing. An object of thepresent invention is to provide a thin film integrated circuit at lowcost and with extremely thin thickness, which is applicable to massproduction, unlike the conventional glass substrate or the singlecrystalline silicon substrate. It is another object of the presentinvention to provide a structure and a process of a thin film integratedcircuit device or an IC chip having the thin film integrated circuit.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device having anon-single crystalline silicon thin film transistor, which is formedover a semiconductor substrate having high heat resistance and highflatness with an insulating film interposed therebetween, and amanufacturing method thereof. The semiconductor substrate is made with asingle crystalline or polycrystalline material. In the presentinvention, the semiconductor substrate is electrically insulated from asemiconductor region of a non-single crystalline silicon thin filmtransistor with the use of an insulating film interposed therebetween.The phase state and electric properties of the semiconductor substratematerial are not identical with those of the semiconductor region of anon-single crystalline silicon thin film transistor.

One feature of the present invention is a manufacturing method of asemiconductor device including the steps of: forming a first insulatingfilm over one surface of a silicon substrate; forming a layer having athin film integrated circuit over the first insulating film; forming aresin layer so as to cover the layer having the thin film integratedcircuit; forming a film so as to cover the resin layer; grinding abackside of the silicon substrate, one surface of which is formed withthe layer having the thin film integrated circuit, and polishing theground surface of the silicon substrate.

One feature of the present invention is a manufacturing method of asemiconductor device including the steps of: forming a first insulatingfilm over one surface of a silicon substrate; forming a layer having atleast two thin film integrated circuits over the first insulating film;forming a resin layer so as to cover the layer having the thin filmintegrated circuits; forming a film so as to cover the resin layer;grinding a backside of the silicon substrate, one surface of which isformed with the layer having the thin film integrated circuit; polishingthe ground surface of the silicon substrate; cutting off the siliconsubstrate, the first insulating film, the layer having the thin filmintegrated circuit, and the resin layer without cutting off the film;forming at least two stacks of the silicon substrate, the firstinsulating film, the layer having the thin film integrated circuits, andthe resin layer; stretching the film so as to form a gap between thestacks; separating the stacks from the film; adhering one surface of thestacks to a first base, and adhering the other surface of the stacks toa second base.

One feature of the present invention is a manufacturing method of asemiconductor device including the steps of: in a step of separating astack from a film, irradiating a film with light; taking out the stackover the film by a pickup means (such as a robot arm, a delivery device,and tweezers); providing the stack over a first base by the pickup meansfor adhering one surface of the stack to the first base.

One feature of the present invention is a manufacturing method of asemiconductor device including the steps of: in a step of separating astack from a film and adhering one surface of the stack to a first base,irradiating the film with light; providing the first base so as to coverone surface of the stack; adhering one surface of the stack to the firstbase by heating the first base, and separating the first base adheredthe stack from the film.

One feature of the present invention is a manufacturing method of asemiconductor device including the steps of: forming a first insulatingfilm over one surface of a silicon substrate; forming a layer having atleast two thin film integrated circuits including a second insulatingfilm and a third insulating film over the first insulating film;providing a film so as to cover the layer having the thin filmintegrated circuit; grinding a backside of the silicon substrate, onesurface of which is formed with the layer having the thin filmintegrated circuit; polishing the ground surface of the siliconsubstrate; cutting off the silicon substrate, the first insulating film,the second insulating film and the third insulating film included in thethin film integrated circuit without cutting off the film; forming atleast two stacks of the silicon substrate, the first insulating film,and the layer having the thin film integrated circuit; stretching thefilm so as to form a gap between the stacks; separating the stack fromthe film; adhering one surface of the stack to a first base, andadhering the other surface of the stack to a second base.

One feature of the present invention is that the thickness of thesilicon substrate is 100 μm or less when grinding the backside of thesilicon substrate, one surface of which is formed with the layer havingthe thin film integrated circuit.

One feature of the present invention is that the thickness of thesilicon substrate is not less than 1 μm and not more than 20 μm when theground surface of the silicon substrate is polished.

One feature of the present invention is a semiconductor deviceincluding: a first base, a second base, a silicon substrate, aninsulating film formed over the silicon substrate, a thin filmintegrated circuit provided over the insulating film, and a resin layercovering the thin film integrated circuit. The first base is touchedwith the substrate, the second base is touched with the resin layer, andthe thickness of the substrate is not less than 1 μm and not more than20 μm.

One feature of the present invention is that the resin layer is a film.

One feature of the present invention is a semiconductor deviceincluding: a first base, a second base, a silicon substrate, aninsulating film formed over the silicon substrate, and a thin filmintegrated circuit provided over the insulating film. The first base istouched with the silicon substrate; the second base is touched with thethin film integrated circuit, and the thickness of the substrate is notless than 1 μm and not more than 20 μm.

One feature of the present invention is that the silicon substrate is apolycrystalline silicon substrate.

One feature of the present invention is that the silicon substrate is asingle crystalline silicon substrate.

One feature of the present invention is that the semiconductor, deviceof the present invention is an IC chip.

In other words, the semiconductor substrate and a non-single crystallinesilicon layer are not identical, and provided in a stacked state over abase material. That is to say, electric properties of the non-singlecrystalline silicon thin film transistor have no dependency on thedifference in the phase state and electric properties of thesemiconductor substrate, and the semiconductor substrate is positionedas only a support medium of the stacked device.

Over either an insulating or conductive substrate used as the supportmedium, a non-single crystalline silicon thin film transistor can beformed. However, electric waves are reflected if a conductive materialis used for the substrate. In addition, a directionality of usage islimited when using an IC chip for an RF tag for converting electricwaves into electric power. While an insulating substrate does not havesuch a problem, it has a problem in that static electricity tends to begenerated. Thus, reliability of an element is deteriorated due toelectrostatic breakdown. Therefore, a so-called semiconductor ispreferable for the substrate used as a base material in a view ofelectric resistance.

As the semiconductor substrate, a silicon material is preferably used,and especially a polycrystalline substrate is effective in terms of aninexpensive cost. The polycrystalline material is mainly used for asolar battery or the like. On the other hand, the material is notsuitable for forming an integrated circuit directly since crystalorientation is varied in a plane or defective crystals or crystal grainboundaries exist. An equivalent degree of flatness to that of a singlecrystalline substrate can be obtained by polishing a plane face, and athin element can be manufactured by grinding and polishing, in a similarway to the element manufactured over the single crystalline substrate.

A single crystalline substrate can also be used, besides apolycrystalline substrate. Note that a single crystalline siliconsubstrate used for a manufacturing step of an integrated circuit isexpensive, and thus the cost of the substrate becomes high if the singlecrystalline silicon substrate is used as a support medium. The singlecrystalline substrate to be used is limited to the one which has apossibility of being a defective piece if used in a manufacturing stepof an integrated circuit, such as problems in value of resistance,amount of impurities, number of dust, scratches on the backside, orgeneration of defective crystals. Such a single crystalline substrate isa substandard article for a manufacturer of a substrate, and suppliedinexpensively as a dummy wafer for checking a step. In addition, apolished product of a polycrystalline substrate or a single crystallinesubstrate of a substandard article is limited to 8-inch φ or 12-inch φin its size; however, they are substantially more inexpensive than apolished glass substrate with the same size. Thus, cost reduction isachieved.

Further, a process of high temperature around 100° C. can be used with asilicon material whose melting point is 1410° C., which is impossiblewith a glass substrate. Due to the process of high temperature, increasein the crystal grain size of an active layer or formation of a gateoxide film by thermal oxidation becomes possible with a polysilicon thinfilm transistor, and an element showing electric properties which isequivalent to or better than a quartz substrate, and secondary to asingle crystalline silicon substrate can be obtained.

Grinding and polishing are used for making a non-single crystalline thinfilm transistor element manufactured over such a semiconductor substrateinto a thin element such as an IC chip. An edge defect or a crack iseasily generated in a square glass substrate; however, the problems arereduced in a round polycrystalline substrate or a single crystallinesubstrate, and yield is increased.

Moreover, a silicon material has high toughness than a glass material,and thus, the silicon material is suitable for being polished thinner.In particular, a polycrystalline substrate has intensity without abreaking in a manner cutting the substrate vertically, which is seen ina single crystalline substrate. In addition, the polished siliconmaterial with a high degree of flatness has a variation within submicronin its plain, and can be polished thinner with high yield. This point isdifferent from a non-polished glass substrate.

In this manner, a thin film transistor over a silicon materialmanufactured by the present invention increases its electric propertiessince it can employ a process of high temperature with low-costmaterials. In addition, an element having high electrostatic breakdownvoltage can be manufactured since its base material is not insulating.Moreover, it is easy to make the silicon material thinner, for examplewith a thickness of 100 um or less, unlike a glass substrate, and it ispossible to manufacture a thin element having high intensity even if thethickness of the element is 20 μm or less. Thus, an IC chip with highyield can be manufactured. As a result, an IC chip which is thin and hasa wide application can be supplied at low cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1D are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 1);

FIGS. 2A to 2C are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 1);

FIGS. 3A to 3C are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 1);

FIGS. 4A to 4D are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 2);

FIGS. 5A to 5D are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 2);

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 2);

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 3);

FIGS. 8A to 8C are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 3);

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a manufacturing method of an IC chip ofthe present invention (Embodiment Mode 3);

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a manufacturing method of an IC chip ofthe present invention (Embodiment Mode 4);

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a manufacturing method of an IC chip ofthe present invention (Embodiment Mode 4);

FIGS. 12A and 12B are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 4);

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a manufacturing method of an IC chip ofthe present invention (Embodiment Mode 4);

FIGS. 14A and 14B are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 5);

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a structure of an IC chip (Embodiment 1);

FIGS. 16A to 16E are view illustrating a usage of an IC chip (Embodiment2);

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views illustrating a usage of an IC chip(Embodiment 4);

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating an application of an IC chip of thepresent invention (Embodiment 4);

FIGS. 19A to 19C are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 4), and

FIGS. 20A to 20C are views illustrating a manufacturing method of an ICchip of the present invention (Embodiment Mode 4).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the present invention will be fully described by way ofembodiment modes with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise such changes andmodifications depart from the scope of the present invention, theyshould be construed as being included therein. In a structure of thepresent invention described below, reference numerals indicating thesame portion may be used in different drawings in common. Moreover, eachof the embodiment modes can freely combined.

Embodiment Mode 1

A thin film integrated circuit device and a manufacturing method thereofusing the present invention are described with reference to accompanyingFIGS. 1A to 3C. First of all, a substrate 10 made with a silicon waferis prepared as a support substrate, and a first insulating film 9 isformed by heat treatment or a film forming method (refer to FIG. 1A),for example, a high-density plasma treatment apparatus, a sputteringapparatus, a plasma CVD apparatus, a vacuum pressure CVD apparatus, orthe like. Note that it is preferable that the surface of a siliconsubstrate be directly processed with a high-density plasma treatmentapparatus. The first insulating film 9 is formed with an oxide film, anitride film, or an oxynitride film of silicon. Note that apolycrystalline silicon substrate whose surface is mirror-polished or asingle crystalline substrate is preferably used for the silicon waferserving as the support substrate. Herein, in the case of using thesingle crystalline substrate, a substandard article can be used, whichgenerates troubles such as a problem in value of resistance, amount ofimpurities, or dust, scratches on the backside, and generation ofdefective crystals in a manufacturing process of an integrated circuit.

The high-density plasma treatment apparatus used for forming the firstinsulating film 9 is a treatment apparatus using high-density plasmawhish is excited by microwave, whose electron temperature is 1.5 eV orless (preferably 0.5 to 1.5 eV), whose ion energy is 5 eV or less, andwhose electron density is approximately 1.0×10¹¹ cm⁻³ to 1.0×10¹³ cm⁻³.A plasma treatment apparatus of microwave excitation using a radial slotantenna can be used for generating plasma. At this time, the surface ofthe silicon substrate can be nitrided by introducing a mixed gas of arare gas and a nitrogen source gas such as nitrogen (N₂), ammonia (NH₃),and nitrogen monoxide (N₂O). Moreover, an oxide film can be formed onthe surface of the silicon substrate by introducing a mixed gas ofoxygen (O₂), hydrogen (H₂), and a rare gas. Here, an argon (Ar) is usedas a rare gas. By using the high-density plasma treatment apparatus, adense film can be manufactured with little plasma damage. Alternatively,plasma oxidation treatment can be performed sufficiently by plasmatreatment at low temperature treatment (typically 250 to 550° C.). Notethat microwave (2.45 GHz) is used as frequency for generating plasma.Further, a low plasma electric potential of 5 V or less can preventexcess dissociation of molecules.

The nitride film formed in the step includes the rare gas used in thehigh-density plasma treatment. Here, an argon gas is included since anargon gas is used.

Next, a layer 11 having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits isformed over one surface of the substrate 10 which is formed with thefirst insulating film 9 (refer to FIG. 1A). The layer 11 having aplurality of thin film integrated circuits includes at least aninsulating film, a semiconductor layer and a conductive layer making upa plurality of elements. Further, the layer 11 includes a conductivelayer serving an antenna in the case of incorporating an antennafunction. Specifically, the layer 11 includes a plurality of elementsprovided over the first insulating film formed over the waferfunctioning as a base film, a second insulating film covering theplurality of elements, a first conductive layer touched with the secondinsulating film and connected to the plurality of elements, and a thirdinsulating film covering the first conductive layer, and in the case ofincorporating the antenna, a second conductive layer functioning as anantenna and touched with the third insulating film, and a fourthinsulating film covering the second conductive layer. The more detailedstructure will be described in Embodiment Mode 4. Note that a structurewhere an antenna function is not incorporated and the antenna isattached later will be described in Embodiment Mode 5. Note that theterm “plurality” in this specification means at least two.

Next, a first film or a resin layer 12 is provided so as to cover thelayer 11 having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits. The firstfilm or the resin layer 12 is provided in order to protect the layer 11having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits.

Next, a second film 13 is provided so as to cover the first film or theresin layer 12. The second film 13 is formed with a vinyl chlorideresin, a silicone resin, a polyolefin resin, or the like, and has astretching property. Thus, the second film 13 is called as an expandedfilm in some cases. In addition, the second film 13 preferably has sucha property that it has a strong adherence in a normal state but has aweak adherence when irradiated with light. Specifically, a UV tape maybe used, which is to be weak in its adherence when irradiated withultraviolet light.

Next, the opposite surface of the substrate 10 is ground by a grindingmeans 14 (refer to FIG. 1B). According to this grinding, the substrate10 is roughly thinned. The substrate 10 is preferably ground to have athickness of 100 μm or less. In general, by revolving one or both of ajig to which the substrate 10 is fixed and the grinding means 14, thesurface of the substrate 10 is ground in the grinding step. The grindingmeans 14 corresponds to a whetstone, for example.

Next, the surface of the ground substrate 10 is polished by a polishingmeans 16 (refer to FIG. 1C). According to this polishing, the asperityof the ground substrate 10 is removed, and the ground substrate 10 isfurther thinned. The substrate 10 is preferably polished to have athickness of 1 to 20 μm, or more preferably 1 to 5 μm. In the samemanner as the above grinding step, the surface of the substrate 10 ispolished by revolving one or both of the jig to which the substrate 10is fixed and the polishing means 16 in the polishing steps. Thepolishing means 16 corresponds to an abrasive cloth, for example.Further, a loose grain 15 may also be used besides the abrasive cloth.The loose grain used in the present embodiment mode may be approximately1 μm in diameter. After that, cleaning is conducted, if necessary, inorder to remove dust produced in grinding and polishing steps, which isnot shown in the drawing.

Subsequently, the substrate 10, the first insulating film 9, the layer11 having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits, and the firstfilm or the resin layer 12 are cut off by a cutoff means 17. In thelayer 11 having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits, theboundaries among the thin film integrated circuits (between the thinfilm integrated circuits) are cut off so as to separate each of theplurality of thin film integrated circuits. Further, the insulating filmprovided in the layer 11 having the plurality of thin film integratedcircuits is cut off without cutting off elements provided in the layer11 having the plurality of thin film integrated circuits. Therefore, aplurality of thin film integrated circuits 18 is formed after the cutoffstep.

A plurality of IC chips 19 is formed as a stack of the substrate 10, thefirst insulating film 9, the thin film integrated circuits 18, and thefirst film or the resin layer 12 (refer to FIG. 1D). Note that thecutoff means 17 corresponds to a dicer, a laser, a wire saw, or thelike. Moreover, the second film 13 is not cut off in this step. Anykinds of laser may be used for cutting, as long as it can conduct acut-off process.

The second film 13 is stretched so as to form a gap between the IC chips19 (refer to FIG. 2A). At this time, it is preferable to stretch in aplane direction equally so as to make the gaps between the IC chips 19equally. Subsequently, the second film 13 is irradiated with light. Inthe case where the second film 13 is a UV tape, the film is irradiatedwith ultraviolet light. Thus, the adherence of the second film 13 isweakened and the adhesiveness between the second film 13 and the IC chip19 is lowered. Then, such a state is obtained that the IC chip 19 can beseparated from the second film 13 by a physical method.

The second film 13 is irradiated with light after stretching the secondfilm 13 in the above step; however, the present invention is not limitedto this order. The second film 13 may be stretched after the second film13 is irradiated with light.

The subsequent step can be carried out with either of the following twokinds of methods, and the first method is described below, at first.

In the first method, the IC chip 19 is taken out by a pick up means 21so as to separate the IC chip 19 from the second film 13. Next, the ICchip 19 is set over a first base 20 by the pick up means 21 so as toadhere one surface of the IC chip 19 to the first base 20 (refer to FIG.2B).

Subsequently, the other surface of the IC chip 19 is adhered to a secondbase 22 (refer to FIG. 2B). The step is carried out with a laminator,and the laminator includes a supply roll 24 having the second base 22twined and a roll 23 having a base twined, which is provided with anadhesive layer containing a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resinas a main component on a base portion of a flexible sheet or film havingone or both of a heating function and a pressuring function. Byrevolving the roll 23 and the supply roll 24 in order, thermocompressionand sealing treatment are continuously conducted to the IC chip 19 withthe base provided with the adhesive layer containing the thermosettingresin or the thermoplastic resin as a main component at the base portionof the sheet or film having a flexible property. Specifically, the otherface of the IC chip 19 is adhered to the second base 22 with the roll23, and the IC chip 19 is sealed with the first base and the second base22, by conducting one or both of the heat treatment and pressuretreatment.

Here, the above thermocompression and sealing treatment are describedmore in detailed. The roll 23 and the supply roll 24 are revolved inorder, and the supply roll 24 supplies the second base 22 to the roll23. The first base 20 provided with the plurality of IC chips 19 aretransferred in order by a transporting means 27. The thermocompressionand sealing treatment corresponds to the treatment in which one or bothof the pressure treatment and heat treatment is/are conducted onto theIC chip 19, the first base 20, and the second base 22 by the roll 23 andthe transporting means 27 when the first base 20 to which the IC chip 19is adhered passes between the roll 23 and the transporting means 27. Asthe thermocompression and sealing treatment are conducted, the IC chip19 is sealed with the first base 20 and the second base 22. Note thatthe transporting means 27 corresponds to a belt conveyer, or a pluralityof rollers or robot arms, or the like. When heat treatment is conductedwith the roll 23 and the transporting means 27, the roll 23 has a heatfunction corresponding to a heater of a heating wire, oil or the like.

Subsequently, the first base 20 and the second base 22 are cut off by acutoff means 26 (refer to FIG. 2C). Then, the IC chip 19 sealed with thefirst base 20 and the second base 22 is completed.

Next, the second method is described.

First, a first base 20 is provided so as to cover one surface of an ICchip 19 (refer to FIG. 3A). Next, one surface of the IC chip 19 isadhered to the first base 20 by heating the first base 20 with a heatingmeans 25. Subsequently, the first base 20 to which the IC chip 19 isadhered is separated from the second film 13 so as to separate the ICchip 19 from the second film 13 (refer to FIG. 3B).

Subsequently, by adhering the other surface of the IC chip 19 to asecond base 22, the IC chip 19 is sealed with the first base 20 and thesecond base 22 (refer to FIG. 3C). Then, the first base 20 and thesecond base 22 are cut off. In this step, a similar cutoff means to theone used in the first method (not shown) is used.

Note that the first base 20 is provided so as to cover one surface ofthe IC chip 19 after the second film 13 is irradiated with light, in thesecond method (refer to FIG. 3A). However, the present invention is notlimited to this order, and the second film 13 may be irradiated withlight after providing the first base 20 so as to cover one surface ofthe IC chip 19 and heating the first base 20.

In the above step, after completing the grinding step (refer to FIG. 1B)and the polishing step (refer to FIG. 1C) of the substrate 10, thecutoff step (refer to FIG. 1D) of the substrate 10 is performed;however, the present invention in not limited to this order. In otherwords, the grinding step and the polishing step of the substrate 10 maybe performed, after the cutoff step of the substrate 10.

The IC chip 19 to be completed through the above step has a feature inits thin thickness and light weight. Further, the IC chip 19 has afeature that the design is not deteriorated due to its thin thicknesseven if the IC chip 19 is mounted on products.

Embodiment Mode 2

Embodiment Mode 2 of the present invention will be described referringto FIGS. 4A to 6B.

First, an insulating film 32 is formed over one surface of a substrate30, and a layer 31 having a plurality of thin film integrated circuitsis formed over the insulating film 32 (refer to FIG. 4A). Note that thesubstrate 30 corresponds to a silicon wafer, for example apolycrystalline silicon substrate or a single crystalline substrate. Thelayer 31 having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits includes atleast a plurality of insulating films, a semiconductor layer and aconductive layer making up a plurality of elements.

Next, a film 33 is provided so as to cover the layer 31 having aplurality of thin film integrated circuits. The film 33 is formed with avinyl chloride resin, a silicone resin, a polyolefin resin, or the like,and a film having a stretching property is used. Thus, the film 33 iscalled as an expanded film in some cases. In addition, the film 33preferably has such a property that it has a strong adherence in anormal state but has a weak adherence when irradiated with light.Specifically, a UV tape may be used, which is to be weak in itsadherence when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Note that the presentembodiment mode is different from Embodiment Mode 1 in that a protectivefilm or a resin layer is not formed.

Next, the opposite surface of one surface of the substrate 30 which isformed with the insulating film 32 is ground by the grinding means 14(refer to FIG. 4B). The substrate 30 is preferably ground to have athickness of 100 μm or less.

Next, the surface of the ground substrate 30 is polished by thepolishing means 16 such as an abrasive cloth (refer to FIG. 4C).Further, the loose grain 15 may be used in this step. The loose grainused in the present embodiment mode may be approximately 1 μm indiameter. The substrate 30 is polished to have a thickness of preferably1 to 20 μm, or more preferably 1 to 5 μm.

Subsequently, the substrate 30, the insulating film 32, and the layer 31having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits are cut off by thecutoff means 17. In the layer 31 having a plurality of thin filmintegrated circuits, the boundaries of each thin film integrated circuitare cut off so as to separate each of the plurality of thin filmintegrated circuits. Moreover, the elements provided in the layer 31having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits are not cut off;however, the insulating film provided in the layer 31 having a pluralityof thin film integrated circuits is cut off. As a result, a plurality ofthin film integrated circuits 38 is formed after the cutoff step. Inother words, a plurality of IC chips 39 having a stack of the substrate30, the insulating film 32, the thin film integrated circuit 38, and thefilm 33 is formed (refer to FIG. 4D). Note that the film 33 is not cutoff in this step.

Subsequently, the film 33 is stretched so as to form gaps between the ICchips 39 (refer to FIG. 5A). At this time, the film is preferablystretched in a plane direction equally so as to make even gaps betweenthe IC chips 39.

The subsequent step can be carried out with any one of the followingthree methods. As the first method, the case where the film 33 is anadhesive tape is described. In this case, the film 33 is cut off so asto separate the IC chips 39 by the cutoff means 17 (refer to FIG. 5B).

Subsequently, the IC chip 39 to which the film 33 is adhered is pickedup by the pickup means 21. Then, by moving the pickup means 21, the ICchip 39 to which the film 33 is adhered is set in the concave portion ofa first tape 40 (refer to FIG. 5C).

Subsequently, a second tape 41 is provided to touch the first tape 40(refer to FIG. 5D). When the IC chip 39 is used, the IC chip 39 is takenout by removing the second tape 41 from the first tape 40.

As the second method, the case where the film 33 is an UV tape isdescribed. In this case, the film 33 can be shipped in a roll or a sheetstate after stretching the film 33 (refer to FIG. 6A).

When the IC chip 39 is used, the film 33 is selectively irradiated withultraviolet light. Then, adhesiveness between the film 33 and the ICchip 39 becomes low, and such a state can be obtained that the IC chip39 can be separated from the film 33 by a physical method. Next, the ICchip 39 is completely separated from the film 33 to be used, by aseparating means such as a pickup means.

Lastly, the case where the step after picking up the IC chip is notsealed is described. In this method, the IC chip is rearranged in alattice-shaped over a tray 42 after picking up the IC chip (refer toFIG. 6B). Then, the IC chip may be taken out from the tray 42 when theIC chip is used.

Note that after completing the grinding step (refer to FIG. 4B) and thepolishing step (refer to HG 4C) of the substrate 30 in the above step,the cutoff step (refer to FIG. 4D) of the substrate 30 is performed;however, the present invention is not limited to this order. Thegrinding step and the polishing step of the substrate 30 may beconducted, after cutting off the substrate 30.

The IC chip 39 to be completed through the above step has a feature inits thin thickness and light weight. Further, the IC chip 39 has afeature that the design is not deteriorated due to its thin thicknesseven if the IC chip is mounted on products.

Embodiment Mode 3

Embodiment Mode 3 of the present invention is described referring toFIGS. 7A to 9. In the present embodiment mode, operation using a frame(carrier jig) in the step of Embodiment Mode 1 is described.

First of all, the insulating film 9 is formed over the substrate 10, andthe layer 11 having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits isformed over the insulating film 9 as described above. Subsequently, thefirst film or the resin layer 12 is pasted so as to cover the layer 11having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits. Then, the secondfilm 13 is pasted so as to cover the first film or the resin layer 12.This step is conducted by setting a stack 52 of the first film or theresin layer 12, the layer 11 having a plurality of thin film integratedcircuits, and the substrate 10 over the second film 13 attached to aframe 51 (refer to a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A, and a perspectiveview of FIG. 7B).

A porous chuck 53 is set so as to touch one surface of the second film13 (refer to 8A). The porous chuck 53 has a structure of a porous vacuumchuck.

Subsequently, the porous chuck 53 is processed so as to make one surfaceof the substrate 10 higher than that of the frame 51. Then, thesubstrate 10 is fixed, keeping the state where the porous chuck 53 isprocessed (refer to FIG. 8B).

Then, the substrate 10 is ground by the grinding means 14. Subsequently,the substrate 10 is polished by the polishing means 16 such as anabrasive cloth. The loose grain 15, or the like may also be used here(refer to FIG. 8C). Note that the size of the loose grain used in thepresent embodiment mode may be approximately 1 μm.

Here, it is required to transfer the substrate 10 without distortions inmoving to the next phase of the process, since the thickness of thesubstrate 10 has been thinned due to the grinding and polishing steps.Then, an arm 54 is set to overlap with the substrate 10, and the arm 54and the frame 51 are transferred together (refer to FIG. 9).

The subsequent step may be conducted either after removing the stack 52from the frame 51, or keeping the state where the stack 52 is set overthe frame 51.

Embodiment Mode 4

Embodiment Mode 4 of the present invention is described referring toFIGS. 1A to 2C, 10 to 13, and 19A to 20C. In the present embodimentmode, a structure of the layer 11 having a plurality of thin filmintegrated circuits formed over one surface of the substrate 10 havingan insulating surface (a structure of an IC chip in which an antenna isincorporated) is described with accompanying drawings.

A first insulating film 9 to be a base film is formed over a substrate10 (refer to FIG. 19A). The first insulating film 9 is formed with astacked film of silicon nitride oxide and silicon oxynitride, a stackedfilm of silicon oxynitride, silicon nitride oxide, and siliconoxynitride, or a stacked film of silicon oxide, silicon nitride oxide,and silicon oxynitride.

Subsequently, a plurality of elements is formed over the firstinsulating film 9. The plurality of elements here correspond to aplurality of elements selected from a thin film transistor, a capacitor,a resistor, a diode, or the like. Here, the manufacturing method of theelement is described. First, an amorphous semiconductor film 704 (forexample, a film formed with an amorphous silicon as a main component) isformed over the first insulating film 9 (refer to FIG. 19B). Theamorphous semiconductor film 704 is formed with a thickness of 25 to 200nm (preferably 30 to 150 nm) by a sputtering method, an LPCVD method, aplasma CVD method, or the like. Then, a crystalline semiconductor filmis formed by crystallizing the amorphous semiconductor film 704 by alaser crystallization method, a thermal crystallization method using RTAor an annealing furnace, a thermal crystallization method using a metalelement which promotes crystallization, a method combining a thermalcrystallization method using a metal element which promotescrystallization and a laser crystallization method. Subsequently, thecrystalline semiconductor film obtained is etched into a desirable shapeto form crystalline semiconductor films 706 to 709 (refer to FIG. 19C).Note that the insulating film 9 and the amorphous semiconductor film 704can be formed in succession without exposing to atmosphere.

An example of the manufacturing step of the crystalline semiconductorfilms 706 to 709 is briefly described, hereinafter. As a method forcrystallizing an amorphous semiconductor film, there is a lasercrystallization method, a thermal crystallization method using RTA or anannealing furnace, a thermal crystallization method using a metalelement which promotes crystallization, a method combining a thermalcrystallization method using a metal element which promotescrystallization and a laser crystallization method, or the like. Inaddition, as another crystallization method, crystallization may beconducted by generating thermal plasma by applying DC bias and reactingthe thermal plasma with a semiconductor film.

In the present embodiment mode, an amorphous semiconductor film with athickness of 40 to 300 nm is formed by a plasma CVD method, and thecrystalline semiconductor films 706 to 709 crystallized by heattreatment are formed. As the heat treatment, a laser heating furnace,laser irradiation, or light irradiation with a lamp instead of laserlight (hereinafter, described as a lamp annealing) can be used.Alternatively, those can be combined.

In the case of using laser irradiation, a continuous wave laser beam (CWlaser beam) or a pulsed laser beam can be used. As an applicable laserbeam, the following can be used: a gas laser such as Ar laser, Kr laser,and excimer laser; a single crystal laser such as YAG, YVO₄, forsterite(Mg₂Sio₄), YAlO₃, GdVO₄, or a polycrystal (ceramic) laser such as YAG,Y₂O₃, YVO₄, YAlO₃, or GdVO₄, which is doped with one or more mediaselected from Nd, Yb, Cr, Ti, Ho, Er, Tm, and Ta; or a glass laser, aruby laser, an alexandrite laser, a Ti: sapphire laser, a copper vaporlaser, a gold vapor laser. By irradiation with a fundamental wave ofsuch laser beams, and laser beams in the range from a second harmonic toa fourth harmonic of the fundamental wave, crystal with a large grainsize can be obtained. For example, wavelength of a second harmonic (532nm) or wavelength of a third harmonic (355 nm) of an Nd:YVO₄ laser(fundamental wave: 1064 nm) can be used. The laser energy density atthis time is required to be approximately 0.01 to 100 MW/cm²(preferably, 0.1 to 10 MW/cm²). Then, scanning speed is setapproximately 10 to 2000 cm/sec for irradiation.

Note that continuous oscillation is possible with each of the Ar ionlaser, Ti: the sapphire laser, and the single crystal laser such as YAG,YVO₄, forsterite (Mg₂Sio₄), YAlO₃, GdVO₄, or a polycrystal (ceramic)laser such as YAG, Y₂O₃, YVO₄, YAlO₃, or GdVO₄, which is doped with oneor more media selected from Nd, Yb, Cr, Ti, Ho, Er, Tm, or Ta. Inaddition, pulsed oscillation with an oscillation frequency of 10 MHz ormore is possible with such lasers by performing Q switch operation ormode locking. When a laser beam is oscillated with an oscillationfrequency of 10 MHz or more, a semiconductor film is irradiated with thesubsequent pulse while the semiconductor film is solidified aftermelting by laser. Therefore, crystal grains grown continuously toward ascanning direction can be obtained since a solid-liquid interface can bemoved continuously in the semiconductor film, which is different fromthe case of using a pulsed laser with a low oscillation frequency.

It is possible to form a medium in a free shape in short time and at lowcost, when ceramic (polycrystals) is used as a medium. In the case ofusing single crystals, a columned medium with several mm in diameter andseveral ten mm in length is usually used; however, it is possible tomake a larger medium when ceramic is used.

Dopant concentration such as Nd and Yb in a medium which contributesdirectly to light emission is difficult to change drastically in neithersingle crystals nor polycrystals. Thus, there is an approximate limit inthe improvement of laser output due to the increase of dopantconcentration. However, a drastic improvement of the output can beexpected in the case of ceramic since the size of a medium can beenlarged markedly, compared with single crystals.

Further, a medium with a parallelepiped or cuboid shape can be easilyformed in the case of ceramic. When oscillated light is moved in azigzag manner in the medium using the medium having such a shape, longoscillation light path can be obtained. Therefore, amplification isenlarged, and it is possible to oscillate with large output. Moreover,the laser beam emitted from the medium having such a shape has a squarecross sectional shape in irradiation. Thus, it is advantageous for beingadjusted into a linear beam, compared with circular beam. By adjustingthe laser beam emitted in this manner with an optical system, it ispossible to obtain a linear beam having a short side of 1 mm or less anda long side of several mm to several m. Further, by irradiation with amedium with excited light uniformly, a linear beam has uniform energydistribution in a long side direction.

By irradiating the semiconductor film with this linear beam, it ispossible to anneal the whole surface of the semiconductor filmuniformly. In the case where it is required to anneal with until bothends of the linear beam uniformly, slits are disposed in both ends andlight is prevented from being irradiated to an energy attenuationportion.

The semiconductor film obtained in this manner is annealed with thelinear beam having uniform intensity, and a semiconductor device ismanufactured with the semiconductor film. Then, the characteristic ofthe semiconductor device can be made excellent and uniform.

One example of a specific method is given as a thermal crystallizationmethod using a metal element which promotes crystallization. Afterkeeping a solution containing nickel serving as a metal element whichpromotes crystallization over an amorphous semiconductor film, acrystalline semiconductor film is formed by conducting dehydrogenationtreatment (500° C., 1 hour) and thermal crystallization treatment (550°C., 4 hours) over an amorphous semiconductor film. Then, laser light isemitted as required to form crystalline semiconductor films 706 to 709.

With the thermal crystallization method using a metal element whichpromotes crystallization, crystallization of an amorphous semiconductorfilm becomes possible at low temperature and in short time. Further, thecrystallization method has an advantage that the direction ofcrystallization can be uniformed. On the other hand, since the metalelement remains in a crystalline semiconductor film, off-currentincreases and there arises a disadvantage that characteristics are notstable. Here, an amorphous semiconductor film functioning as a getteringsite is preferably formed over a crystalline semiconductor film. Sincean impurity element such as phosphorus or argon is required to becontained in the amorphous semiconductor film functioning as a getteringsite, a sputtering method which can include argon in high concentrationis preferably used for forming the amorphous semiconductor film. Afterthat, heat treatment (RTA method, thermal anneal using an annealingfurnace, or the like) is conducted, so that the metal element isdiffused in the amorphous semiconductor film. Subsequently, theamorphous semiconductor film containing the metal element is removed. Byconducting such a gettering process, the metal element in a crystallinesemiconductor film can be reduced in concentration or removed.

Subsequently, a gate insulating film 705 is formed covering thecrystalline semiconductor films 706 to 709. The gate insulating film 705is formed with a single layer or stacked layers of a film containingoxide of silicon or nitride of silicon by a plasma CVD method or asputtering method. Specifically, a film containing silicon oxide, a filmcontaining silicon oxynitride, or a film containing silicon nitrideoxide is formed as a single layer. Alternatively, these layers arestacked properly. Moreover, the surfaces of the crystallinesemiconductor films 706 to 709 may be oxidized or nitrided to form agate insulating film by conducting the high-density plasma treatment inthe atmosphere containing oxygen, nitrogen or both of oxygen andnitrogen to the crystalline semiconductor films 706 to 709. The gateinsulating film formed by the high-density plasma treatment is superiorto a film formed by a CVD method or a sputtering method in uniformity ofthickness and quality. Moreover, a dense film can be formed with thegate insulating film. As atmosphere containing oxygen, a mixed gas ofrare gas and oxygen (O₂) or dinitrogen monoxide (N₂O), or a mixed gas ofrare gas, hydrogen (H₂), and oxygen (O₂) or dinitrogen monoxide (N₂O)can be used. As atmosphere containing nitrogen, a mixed gas of rare gasand nitrogen (N₂) or ammonia (NH₃), or a mixed gas of rare gas, hydrogen(H₂), and nitrogen (N₂) or ammonia (NH₃) can be used.

Next, a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer are stackedover the gate insulating film 705. The first conductive layer is formedwith a thickness of 20 to 100 nm by a plasma CVD method or a sputteringmethod. The second conductive layer is formed with a thickness of 100 to400 nm. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer areformed with an element selected from tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W),titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), chromium(Cr), niobium (Nb), or the like, or alloy or chemical materialcontaining those elements as a main component. In addition, these layerscan be formed with a semiconductor material represented bypolycrystalline silicon doped with an impurity element such asphosphorus. As an example of combination of the first conductive layerand the second conductive layer, a tantalum nitride (TaN) film and atungsten (W) film, a tungsten nitride (WN) film and a tungsten film, amolybdenum nitride (MoN) film and a molybdenum (Mo) film, or the likecan be given. Since tungsten or tantalum nitride has a high heatdurability, heat treatment for thermal activation can be conducted afterforming the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. Inaddition to a two-layer structure of the first conductive layer and thesecond conductive layer, a single-layer structure or a three-layerstructure may be employed. In the case of the three-layer structure, astructure obtained by stacking a molybdenum film, an aluminum film, amolybdenum film in order over the substrate or a structure obtained bystacking a titanium film, an aluminum film, or a titanium film in orderis preferably employed.

Subsequently, a mask formed with a resist is formed by photolithography,and etching treatment is conducted for forming a gate electrode and agate line to form conductive layers 716 to 719, and 721 to 724(hereinafter, called as a gate electrode in some cases) serving as agate electrode.

An impurity element imparting n-type conductivity is added in lowconcentration to the crystalline semiconductor films 706 and 708 by anion doping method or an ion injection method after forming a mask formedwith a resist by photolithography. In this manner, n-type impurityregions 711 and 713 and channel formation regions 780 and 782 areformed. For the impurity element imparting n-type conductivity, theelement belonging to group 15 may be employed, such as phosphorus (P)and arsenic (As).

Subsequently, a mask formed with a resist is formed by photolithography,and an impurity element imparting p-type conductivity is added to thecrystalline semiconductor films 707 and 709 to form p-type impurityregions 712 and 714 and channel formation regions 781 and 783. As theimpurity element imparting p-type conductivity, boron (B) is employed,for example. As for the order of forming the n-type impurity regions 711and 713 and the p-type impurity regions 712 and 714, the p-type impurityregions 712 and 714 may be formed after forming the n-type impurityregions 711 and 713, as in the present embodiment mode. Alternatively,the n-type impurity regions 711 and 713 may be formed after forming thep-type impurity regions 712 and 714.

Subsequently, an insulating film is formed so as to cover the gateinsulating film 705 and the conductive layers 716 to 719, and 721 to724. The insulating film is formed with a single layer or stacked layersof a film formed with an inorganic material such as silicon, oxide ofsilicon, or nitride of silicon, and a film formed with an organicmaterial such as organic resin by a plasma CVD method or a sputteringmethod. Subsequently, the insulating film is selectively etched by ananisotropic etching mainly in the perpendicular direction to forminsulating films (called as sidewalls in some cases) 739 to 742 touchedwith side faces of the conductive layers 716 to 719 and 721 to 724(refer to FIG. 20A). Further, insulating films 734 to 737 formed byetching the gate insulating film 705 are formed at the same time as theinsulating films 739 to 742. The insulating films 739 to 742 are used asdoping masks for doping in forming LDD (Lightly Doped drain) regionslater.

Subsequently, by using a mask formed with a resist by photolithographyand the insulating films 739 to 742 as masks, an impurity elementimparting n-type conductivity is added into the crystallinesemiconductor films 706 and 708 to form first n-type impurity regions(called as LDD regions in some cases) 727 and 729, and second n-typeimpurity regions 726 and 728. The concentration of the impurity elementcontained in the first n-type impurity regions 727 and 729 is lower thanthat of the second n-type impurity regions 726 and 728. Through theabove step, n-type thin film transistors 62 and 64, and p-type thin filmtransistors 63 and 65 are completed.

Note that in order to form an LDD region, there is a method where a gateelectrode is formed to have a stacked structure of two or more layers,so that etching such as anisotropic is performed to the gate electrodewith the use of a conductive layer which makes up a lower layer of thegate electrode as a mask, or a method where insulating films as thesidewalls of the gate electrode are used as masks. The thin filmtransistor formed by the former method has a structure where the LDDregion is disposed by overlapping with the gate electrode with the gateinsulating film interposed therebetween. The structure has a difficultyin controlling the width of the LDD region for utilizing etching likeanisotropic etching of the gate electrode, and the LDD region cannot beformed in some cases if etching is not conducted preferably. On theother hand, the latter method that insulating films as the sidewalls areused as masks can make it easy to control the width of the LDD region,compared with the former method, and the LDD region can be formedassuredly.

Note that after removing the exposed n-type impurity regions 726 and 728and natural oxide films formed over the surface of p-type impurityregions 785 and 730, a silicide region may be formed appropriately usinga metal film. As the metal film, a nickel film, a titanium film, acobalt film, a platinum film, or a film formed with alloy containing atleast two elements selected from these can be used. More specifically,when a nickel film is used as the metal film, for example, a silicideregion is formed by heat treatment after forming the nickel film by asputtering method at the a room temperature, at film formation power of500 W to 1 kW. As the heat treatment, RTA, furnace annealing, or thelike can be used. At this time, by controlling thickness, heatingtemperature, and heating time of the metal film, only the surface orwhole of the n-type impurity regions 726 and 728 and the p-type impurityregions 785 and 730 can be made a silicide region. Lastly, unreactednickel is removed. For example, the unreacted nickel is removed with anetching solution containing HCl:HNO₃:H₂O=3:2:1.

Note that although description is made of the example where the thinfilm transistors 62 to 65 are the top-gate type transistors in thisembodiment mode, each of them may be a bottom-gate type thin filmtransistor. In addition, although description is made of the single-gatestructure where each of the thin film transistors 62 to 65 has onechannel formation region, a double-gate structure where two channelformation regions are formed or a triple-gate structure where threechannel formation regions are formed may be employed. Moreover, adual-gate structure where two gate electrodes are disposed above andbelow a channel formation region with the gate insulating filmsinterposed therebetween or other structures may be employed.

As for the structure of the semiconductor film making up the thin filmtransistors 62 to 65, structures besides the one described in thepresent embodiment modes may be employed. For example, an impurityregion (which includes a source region, a drain region, and an LDDregion) may each be formed, and any of a p-channel transistor, ann-channel transistor or a CMOS circuit may be formed. Moreover,insulating films (sidewalls) may be formed so as to touch with the sidefaces of a gate electrode provided above or below the semiconductorfilm.

Through the above step, heat treatment for recovering the crystallineproperty of a semiconductor film or activating an impurity element addedinto a semiconductor film may be conducted after completing the n-typethin film transistors 62 and 64, and the p-type thin film transistors 63and 65. Hydrogen may be contained in the surface of the gate insulatingfilm 705 by conducting high-density plasma treatment to the exposed gateinsulating film 705 in the atmosphere containing hydrogen, preferablyafter conducting heat treatment. This is because the hydrogen can beutilized in the subsequent process of hydrogenating the semiconductorfilm. Moreover, the semiconductor film can be hydrogenated by conductinghigh-density plasma treatment by heating the substrate at a temperatureof 350 to 450° C. in the atmosphere containing hydrogen. Note that amixed gas of hydrogen (H₂) or ammonia (NH₃), and rare gas (for example,argon (Ar)) can be used as the atmosphere containing hydrogen. In thecase of using a mixed gas of ammonia (NH₃) and rare gas (for example,argon (Ar)) as the atmosphere containing hydrogen, the surface of thegate insulating film 705 can be hydrogenated and nitrided at the sametime.

Subsequently, an insulating film is formed with a single layer orstacked layers so as to cover the thin film transistors 62 to 65. Theinsulating film covering the thin film transistors 62 to 65 is formedwith a single layer or stacked layers of an inorganic material such asoxide of silicon or nitride of silicon, and an organic material such aspolyimide, polyamide, benzocyclobutene, acrylic, epoxy, or siloxane, byan SOG method and a drop discharge method. In the present specification,siloxane means a compound having a skeleton structure of silicon (Si)and oxygen (O) bond, and an organic group (for example, alkyl group, andaromatic hydrocarbon) containing at least hydrogen as a substituent.Further, a fluoro group may be used as a substituent, or both an organicgroup containing at least hydrogen and a fluoro group may be used as asubstituent as well. Note that in the present specification, as theinsulating film covering the thin film transistors 62 to 65, a secondinsulating film 66 is formed using a single-layer structure of a siliconnitride film or a silicon nitride film containing oxygen (refer to FIG.20B). At this time, by conducting high-density plasma treatmentpreferably on a silicon nitride film or a silicon nitride filmcontaining oxygen in the atmosphere containing hydrogen, hydrogen ismade contained in the surface of the silicon nitride film or the siliconnitride film containing the oxygen. This is because the hydrogen can beutilized in the subsequent process of hydrogenating the semiconductorfilm. Moreover, the semiconductor film can be hydrogenated by conductinghigh-density plasma treatment by heating the substrate at a temperatureof 350 to 450° C. in the atmosphere containing hydrogen. Note that amixed gas of hydrogen (H₂) or ammonia (NH₃), and rare gas (for example,argon (Ar)) can be used as the atmosphere containing hydrogen. In thecase of using a mixed gas of ammonia (NH₃) and rare gas (for example,argon (Ar)) as the atmosphere containing hydrogen, the surface of thegate insulating film 705 can be hydrogenated and nitrided at the sametime.

Note that heat treatment may be conducted for recovering the crystallineproperty of a semiconductor film or activating an impurity element addedinto a semiconductor film, before forming the second insulating film 66.For heat treatment, thermal annealing, a laser annealing method, an RTAmethod, or the like may be employed. For example, thermal annealing at500° C. or more may be conducted for the purpose of activation of animpurity element. Thermal annealing at 350 to 450° C. may be conductedfor the purpose of hydrogenation of the semiconductor film.

Subsequently, the second insulating film 66 is etched byphotolithography to form contact holes exposing the n-type impurityregions 726 and 728, and the p-type impurity regions 785 and 730. Then,conductive layers are formed to fill the contact holes, and theconductive layers are patterned to form conductive layers 71 to 76functioning as source or drain wires.

The conductive layers 71 to 76 are formed with a conductive layercontaining aluminum (Al) as a main component by a plasma CVD method or asputtering method. The conductive layer containing aluminum as a maincomponent corresponds to a material containing nickel and alsocontaining aluminum as a main component, or an alloy material whichcontains aluminum as a main component, also containing nickel, and oneor both of carbon and silicon. Since the conductive layer containingaluminum as a main component generally has a disadvantage in heatdurability, a structure where top and bottom sides of the conductivelayer containing aluminum as a main component are interposed withbarrier films is preferable. The barrier film indicates the one having afunction of controlling hillocks of the conductive layer containingaluminum as a main component or a function of increasing durability. Asthe material having such a function, chrome, tantalum, tungsten,molybdenum, titanium, silicon, nickel, or nitride of such materials canbe given. As one example of a structure of the conductive layers 71 to76, a structure obtained by stacking a titanium film, an aluminum film,a titanium film in order over the substrate can be given. Since thetitanium film has an element having a high reducing property, even if athin natural oxide film is produced over the crystalline semiconductorfilm, the natural oxide film can be reduced to form a preferable contactbetween the titanium film and the crystalline semiconductor film.Moreover, the surface is preferably nitrided by conducting high-densityplasma treatment to the titanium film formed between the crystallinesemiconductor film and the aluminum film in the atmosphere containingnitrogen. As the conditions of high-density plasma treatment, electrondensity of plasma is set to 10×10¹¹ cm⁻³ or more to 1×10¹³ cm⁻³ or less,and electron temperature of plasma is set to 0.5 eV or more to 1.5 eV orless. As the atmosphere containing nitrogen, a mixed gas of N₂ or NH₃and rare gas, or a mixed gas of N₂ or NH₃, rare gas, and H₂ may beemployed. Nitriding the surface of the titanium film can preventtitanium and aluminum from alloying in heat treatment in a latter step,and diffusion of aluminum into the crystalline semiconductor filmthrough the titanium film can be prevented. Note that although adescription is made of the example where the aluminum film is interposedwith the titanium films here, in the case of using a chrome film, atungsten film, or the like, instead of the titanium film, the sameprocess can be carried out. More preferably, formation of the titaniumfilm, nitriding treatment of the titanium film surface, formation of thealuminum film, and formation of the titanium film are conducted insuccession without exposing to the atmosphere by using a multi-chamberdevice.

Subsequently, a third insulating film 67 is formed so as to cover theconductive layers 71 to 76 (refer to FIG. 20C). The third insulatingfilm 67 is formed with a single layer or stacked layers of an inorganicmaterial, or an organic material by a SOG method, a drop dischargemethod, or the like. In the present embodiment mode, the thirdinsulating film 67 is formed with a thickness of 0.75 to 3 μm.

Subsequently, the third insulating film 67 is etched by photolithographyto form contact holes exposing the conductive layers 71 to 76. Then,conductive layers 77 to 80 are formed so as to fill the contact holesover the third insulating film 67. As a method of forming the conductivelayers, a CVD method, a sputtering method, a plating method, orevaporation method may be employed, and one of elements selected fromAu, Ag, Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, W, Al, Ta, Mo, Cd, Zn, Fe, Ti, Zr, orBa, alloy or a compound containing such elements can be used as theconductive layers. Moreover, a compound of Si or Ge having conductivitycan be used. The conductive layers 77 to 80 function as an antenna.

Through the above step, an element can be completed.

Subsequently, a fourth insulating film 68 is formed so as to cover theconductive layers 77 to 80 functioning as an antenna by a SOG method, adrop discharge method, or the like (refer to FIG. 10). Through the step,the layer 11 having a thin film integrated circuit is formed.

Subsequently, the first film or the resin layer 12 is adhered so as tocover the layer 11 having a plurality of thin film integrated circuits.Then, the second film 13 is adhered onto the first film or the resinlayer 12 (refer to FIG. 10 and FIG. 1A). Next, the substrate 10 isground and polished (refer to FIG. 11 and FIGS. 1B and 1C).

Subsequently, the substrate 10 formed with the first insulating film 9over one surface, the layer 11 having a plurality of thin filmintegrated circuits, and the first film or the resin layer 12 are cutoff by the cutoff means 17 to form an open portion 81 (refer to FIG. 11,and FIG. 1D). More specifically, the open portion 81 is formed bycutting the substrate 10, the first insulating film 9, the insulatingfilms 66 to 68 included in the layer 11 having a plurality of thin filmintegrated circuits, and the first film or the resin layer 12. At thistime, the elements included in the layer 11 having a plurality of thinfilm integrated circuits are not cut off.

The plurality of thin film integrated circuits 18 is formed through theabove cut-off step. Moreover, the plurality of IC chips 19 are formed asa stack of the substrate 10 formed with the first insulating film 9 overone surface, the thin film integrated circuits 18, and the first film orthe resin layer 12.

The subsequent step is performed in the way as shown in the EmbodimentMode 1, and the detail thereof is described hereinafter.

After forming the plurality of IC chips 19, the second film 13 isstretched so as to form the gaps between the IC chips 19 (refer to FIGS.12A and 2A). Subsequently, the second film 13 is irradiated with light,for reducing adhesiveness between one surface of the IC chip 19 and thesecond film 13. Then, the IC chip 19 is separated from the second film13, and one surface of the IC chip 19 is adhered to the first base 20(refer to FIG. 12B, FIGS. 2A and 2B). Subsequently, the other surface ofthe IC chip 19 is adhered to the second base 22 (refer to FIG. 13, FIGS.2B and 2C). Then, the portion where the first base 20 is adhered to thesecond base 22 is cut off by the cutoff means 26. As a result, the ICchip 19 sealed with the first base 20 and the second base 22 iscompleted.

Embodiment Mode 5

In the present embodiment mode, description is made of a structure of asemiconductor device in which an antenna formed over another substrateafter completing an IC chip is electrically connected to an IC chip.

FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device in amanufacturing step in the present embodiment mode. In FIG. 14A, ann-channel type thin film transistor 62, a p-channel type thin filmtransistor 63, and conductive layers 71 to 73 are provided, a thirdinsulating film 67 is formed so as to cover a wire over the substrate 10formed with a first insulating film 9 over one surface, and a wire 90electrically connected to the n-channel type thin film transistor 62through a contact hole formed in the insulating film 67 is provided. Thestep until here is the same as the step up to the point of forming thecontact hole in the insulating film 67 in FIG. 10 except that the wire90 is formed. Thus, the description is omitted.

Subsequently, an adhesive agent 93 is applied onto the insulating film67 so as to cover the wire 90 electrically connected to the n-channeltype thin film transistor 62, and a covering material 92 is adhered tothe insulating film 67 by the adhesive agent 93 (refer to FIG. 14B).

An antenna 91 is formed in the covering material 92 in advance. In thepresent embodiment mode, the antenna 91 is electrically connected to thewire 90 using an anisotropic conductive resin for the adhesive agent 93.

The anisotropic conductive resin is a material in which a conductivematerial is diffused in a resin. As the resin, there are an epoxy resin,an urethane resin, and an acrylic resin which has a thermosettingproperty, a polyethylene resin, and a polypropylene resin which has athermoplastic property, and a siloxane resin. As a conductive material,there is a plastic particle such as polystyrene, and epoxy which iscoated with Ni or Au, a metal particle such as Ni, Au, Ag, and solder,particulate or fibrous carbon, or fibrous Ni coated with Au. The size ofthe conductive material is preferably determined in accordance with apitch of the antenna 91 and the wire 90.

The antenna 91 and the wire 90 may be electrically connected by pressurebonding with the use of an anisotropic conductive resin while applyingultrasonic waves or hardening with ultraviolet irradiation.

Note that in the present embodiment mode, an example that the antenna 91is electrically connected to the wire 90 with the adhesive agent 93using an anisotropic conductive resin is described; however, the presentinvention is not limited to this structure. Instead of the adhesiveagent 93, an anisotropic conductive film may be used, so that theantenna 91 is electrically connected to the wire 90 by conductingpressure bonding to the anisotropic conductive film.

Embodiment 1

A thin film integrated circuit manufactured by the present inventioncorresponds to the one having a plurality of elements and a conductivelayer functioning as an antenna, or the one which is formed with aplurality of elements and has an electrode having a connection with amedium serving as an antenna. The plurality of elements here correspondsto a thin film transistor, a capacitor, a resistor, a diode, or thelike.

A thin film integrated circuit 210 included in an IC chip (asemiconductor device, an RF tag, a wireless tag, an electronic tag, awireless processor, a wireless memory, or the like) has a function ofcommunicating data without contact, and the thin film integrated circuit210 includes a plurality of elements making up various circuits. Forexample, the thin film integrated circuit 210 has a power supply circuit211, a clock generator circuit 212, data demodulation/modulation circuit213, a control circuit 214, an interface circuit 215, a memory 216, anda data bus 217. In the case of making up an antenna-interoperated ICchip (an RF tag, a wireless tag, an electronic tag, a wirelessprocessor, a wireless memory, or the like), an antenna 218 (called as anantenna coil in some cases), or the like is also incorporated (refer toFIG. 15).

The power supply circuit 211 generates each power to be supplied to eachcircuit, based on the alternate current signal inputted from an antenna218 or an external antenna 91. The clock generator circuit 212 generateseach clock to be supplied to each circuit, based on thealternate-current signal inputted from the antenna 218 and the antenna91. The data demodulation/modulation circuit 213 (a circuit including ademodulation circuit and a modulation circuit) has a function ofdemodulating/modulating data communicated with a reader/writer 219. Thecontrol circuit 214 corresponds to a CPC (Central Processing Unit), aMPU (Micro Processor Unit), or the like, for example, and has a functionof controlling other circuit. The antenna 218 has a function ofreceiving/sending electromagnetic waves. The reader/writer 219 controlscommunication with a thin film integrated circuit, control thereof, anddata processing related to the control.

The antenna 218 or the external antenna 91 has a function of convertingan electromagnetic wave into an alternate-current signal. Loadmodulation is applied to the antenna 218 and the antenna 91 by the datademodulation/modulation circuit 213. The alternate-current signalchanged by the antenna 218 and the antenna 91 is supplied to the powersupply circuit 211, the clock generator circuit 212, the datademodulation/modulation circuit 213, and the like.

Note that the circuit made up with the thin film integrated circuit isnot limited to the above structure, and a structure to which othercomponents such as a limiter circuit of power supply voltage, orhardware dedicated to encryption/decryption functions may be employed.

Note that the present embodiment can be freely combined with theEmbodiment Modes 1 to 5.

Embodiment 2

An IC chip (an RF tag, a wireless tag, an electronic tag, a wirelessprocessor, a wireless memory, or the like) 296 including a thin filmintegrated circuit manufactured according to the present invention isapplicable in a wide range. For example, the IC chip 296 can be appliedto a paper money, a coin, documents of value, unregistered bonds,identification certificates (driver's license, certificate of residence,and the like, refer to FIG. 16A), packaging containers (package paper, abottle, and the like, refer to FIG. 16B), a recording medium (DVDsoftware, a video tape, and the like, refer to FIG. 16C), means oftransportation (a bicycle and the like, refer to FIG. 16D), personalbelongings (a bag, glasses, and the like, refer to FIG. 16E), foods,clothes, general merchandise, electronic appliances, and the like. Theelectronic appliances are a liquid crystal display device, an EL displaydevice, a television device (also referred to as simply a TV, a TVreceiver, or a television receiver), a mobile phone, and the like.

The thin film integrated circuit and the IC chip (an RF tag, a wirelesstag, an electronic tag, a wireless processor, a wireless memory, or thelike) including the thin film integrated circuit are fixed to the objectby pasting them to the surface of the object or embedding them in theobject. For example, if the object is a book, they are fixed to the bookby embedding them in the paper, and if the object is a package made ofan organic resin, they are fixed to the package by embedding them in theorganic resin. By providing the thin film integrated circuit and the ICchip (an RF tag, a wireless tag, an electronic tag, a wirelessprocessor, a wireless memory, or the like) including the thin filmintegrated circuit in a paper money, a coin, documents of value,unregistered bonds, identification certificates, and the like, theforgery can be prevented. Moreover, when the thin film integratedcircuit and the IC chip (an RF tag, a wireless tag, an electronic tag, awireless processor, a wireless memory, or the like) including the thinfilm integrated circuit are provided in packaging containers, arecording medium, personal belongings, foods, clothes, generalmerchandise, electronic appliances, and the like, an inspection system,a system at the rental shop, and the like become more efficient. Whenthe thin film integrated circuit and the IC chip (an RF tag, a wirelesstag, an electronic tag, a wireless processor, a wireless memory, or thelike) including the thin film integrated circuit are provided invehicles, the forgery and stealing can be prevented.

Furthermore, by applying the IC chip (an RF tag, a wireless tag, anelectronic tag, a wireless processor, a wireless memory, or the like)including the thin film integrated circuit to a management system and acirculation system of objects, the system can become more sophisticated.For example, an example is given in which a reader/writer 295 isprovided at a side face of a mobile terminal including a display portion294, and the IC chip (an RF tag, a wireless tag, an electronic tag, awireless processor, a wireless memory, or the like) 296 including thethin film integrated circuit is provided at a side face of an object 297(refer to FIG. 17A). In this system, when the IC chip (an RF tag, awireless tag, an electronic tag, a wireless processor, a wirelessmemory, or the like) 296 including the thin film integrated circuit isheld over the reader/writer 295, the display portion 294 displaysinformation of the object 297 such as a material, a production area, ahistory of circulation process, and the like. As another example, thereader/writer 295 is provided beside the belt conveyer (refer to FIG.17B). In this case, the object 297 can be easily inspected.

The present embodiment can be freely combined with the Embodiment Modes1 to 5, and Embodiment 1.

Embodiment 3

In many cases, an IC chip has only a thin film integrated circuitbetween a first film or a resin layer and a second film. However,according to the present invention, the substrate and the thin filmintegrated circuit are provided between the first film or the resinlayer and the second film. This characteristic makes it possible toprevent the intrusion of harmful gas, water, and impurity elements.Therefore, an IC chip in which the deterioration and damage of the thinfilm integrated circuit are suppressed and the reliability is enhancedcan be provided.

The substrate included in the IC chip of the present inventionpreferably has a thickness of 50 μm or less, more preferably 1 to 20 μM,and much more preferably 1 to 5 μm. By conducting the grinding step andthe polishing step to thin the substrate so as to have the abovethickness, an IC chip having flexibility can be provided.

Each of the first film or the resin layer 12, the second film 13, thefirst base 20, the second base 22, the film 33, the first tape 40, andthe second tape 41 corresponds to a material such as polypropylene,polyester, vinyl, polyvinyl fluoride, vinyl chloride, ethylene vinylacetate, urethane, or polyethylene terephthalate, a paper made of afiber material, or the like. The surfaces of the films, the bases, andthe tapes may be coated with silicon dioxide (silica) or aluminum oxide(alumina). Because of the coating, water-resistant properties can bekept even under a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.Further, the surface or the interface between the films, the bases, andthe tapes and the adhesive agent may be coated with a conductivematerial such as indium tin oxide. Since the coated material preventselectrostatic charge, the thin film integrated circuit can be protectedfrom the electrostatic. As the method providing the similar effect, itis effective that carbon black or surface-active agent is added to thefilm material. Furthermore, the surfaces may be coated with thin filmmainly containing carbon (e.g. a diamond-like carbon film). The strengthcan be increased by the coating, and the damage of the thin filmintegrated circuit can be suppressed. The surfaces may have adhesiveplanes on which an adhesive agent such as a thermoset resin, anultraviolet curable resin, or an epoxy resin adhesive agent is applied.Each of the first film or the resin layer 12, the second film 13, thefirst base 20, the second base 22, the film 33, the first tape 40, andthe second tape 41 may have light-transmitting properties. All of thefirst film or the resin layer 12, the second film 13, the film 33, thefirst base 20, the second base 22, the first tape 40, and the secondtape 41 are formed with the same material. Therefore, the base and thetape correspond to the film.

The present invention includes the step of polishing the ground surfaceof the substrate 10 by the polishing means 16 (refer to FIG. 1C). Thethickness of the polished substrate 10 is not limited in particular;however, it is preferable that the thickness be 50 μm or less, morepreferably 1 to 20 μm, and much more preferably 1 to 5 μm. The thicknessof the polished substrate 10 may be determined appropriately inconsideration of the strength of the polished IC chip, the time requiredfor the polishing step, the time required for the cutting step, theapplication of the IC chip, and the like.

For example, in the case of improving the productivity by shortening thetime of the polishing step, the thickness of the polished substrate 10is preferably set to approximately 50 μm. In the case of pasting orembedding the IC chip to a thin object, the thickness of the polishedsubstrate 10 is preferably set to approximately 1 to 20 μm, morepreferably 1 to 5 μm. In the case of improving the productivity byshortening the time of the cutting step, the thickness of the polishedsubstrate 10 is preferably set to approximately 1 to 20 μm, morepreferably 1 to 5 μm.

The present invention includes the step of forming the thin filmintegrated circuit over one face of the substrate. However, thestructure of the thin film integrated circuit is different depending onthe application of the IC chip. For example, when an IC chip for sendingand receiving the electromagnetic wave is manufactured, a plurality ofelements (a thin film transistor, a capacitor, a resistor, and the like)and a conductive layer functioning as an antenna are formed as the thinfilm integrated circuit. Moreover, when an IC chip for storing data ismanufactured, a storage element and a plurality of elements (a thin filmtransistor, a capacitor, a resistor, and the like) for controlling thestorage element are formed as the thin film integrated circuit. When anIC chip for controlling circuits or generating signals (such as a CPU, asignal generator circuit, and the like) is manufactured, a plurality ofelements (a thin film transistor, a capacitor, a resistor, and the like)is formed as the thin film integrated circuit.

Note that the present embodiment can be freely combined with theEmbodiment Modes 1 to 5, Embodiments 1 and 2.

Embodiment 4

The present embodiment will describe a management system at distributionof a container filled with a fluid from a manufacturer to a deliveryagent and the like, referring to FIG. 18.

A management system of a container filled with a fluid shown in FIG. 18includes a supplier 501 and a container 502 filled with a fluid. Thesupplier 501 is provided with an introduction tube 503 for introducingthe fluid from the container, a supplying nozzle 504 for supplying thefluid to the outside, a first valve 505 for controlling movement of thefluid introduced from the introduction tube to the supplying nozzle, asecond valve 506 which controls movement of the fluid from the firstvalve to the supplying nozzle, a reader/writer 507 which readsinformation stored in an IC chip, and a control portion 508 whichcontrols the first valve based on a signal sent from the reader/writer.

The container 502 is provided with the IC chip 509 shown in EmbodimentModes and Embodiments as above. In the IC chip 509, information of thefluid filling the container 502, such as a manufacturing date, amanufacturer, and a material are stored. The information is managed at amanagement center 511 in the manufacturer. The IC chip 509 may beprovided with a battery. By providing a battery, the IC chip canautomatically send information to the reader/writer. Further, the ICchip 509 may have a detection portion. The information on the fluiddetected in the detection portion can be sent to the management centerof the manufacturer through the reader/writer and an interface.

The container 502 is formed with metal, plastic, ceramic, or the like.

As typical examples of the fluid filling the container 502, liquid suchas drinkable water, hot spring water, or daily life water; gas such aspropane gas, natural gas, hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, or nitrogen gas; orgel-like fluid such as paste, ice cream, or soup is given. Note thatwhen the container 502 is filled with propane gas, natural gas, hydrogengas, oxygen gas, or nitrogen gas, a steel cylinder is preferably used asthe container 502.

When the container 502 is connected to the supplier 501, thereader/writer 507 of the supplier 501 reads information stored in the ICchip 509 of the container 502. Next, the information read by thereader/writer is sent to the management center 511 of the manufacturerthrough an interface 512. The interface 512 sends the information storedin the IC chip 509 to the outside and serves as a terminal-sideinformation sending/receiving means for receiving a signal from themanagement center 511. Internet, a telephone line, or the like can beused as the interface 512.

The information of the fluid sent from the interface 512 is sent to aserver 513 in the management center 511 of the manufacturer. Theinformation of the fluid, specifically a used-by date, an expirationdate, a manufacturer, and a material, are judged at the server 513 inthe management center. In the case that the IC chip 509 is provided witha detection portion, it is possible to receive various information ofthe fluid like the freshness, the temperature, and the like, in additionto the above information of the fluid. Here, whether the fluid issupplied or not is judged by judging the conformity of the choice of thecontainer 502 and the supplier 501, and the used-by date, the expirationdate, and the manufacturer of the fluid, based on a shipment list 514 ofthe containers and a list 515 of the used containers. In the managementcenter 511 of the manufacturer, the shipment list 514 of the containersand the list 515 of the used containers are stored in the server 513.

Next, the judgment result on whether the fluid is supplied or not issent from the management center 511 to the supplier 501. Thetransmission result from the management center is received with thereader/writer 507 of the supplier 501. If the fluid is to be supplied, asignal is sent to the control portion 508 of the supplier, and the firstvalve 505 is opened. When a store clerk opens the second valve 506, thefluid can be supplied to the outside through the supplying nozzle 504.It is preferable that the first valve 505 be automatically controllable,and the first valve 505 can be formed with an electromagnetic valve. Itis preferable that the second valve 506 be manually controllable orautomatically controllable and the second valve 506 can be formed with amanual valve or an automatic valve. If the second valve 506 isautomatically controllable, the opening and closing of the valve iscontrolled with an electromagnetic valve connected to a switch operatedby a store clerk.

By using such a system, the manufacturers can figure out the amount ofconsumption of the fluid at the delivery agents. Thus, the shipmentmanagement of the containers filled with the fluid can be carried outautomatically, which simplifies the step of shipping and receivingorders at the delivery agents and the manufacturers.

Since the opening and closing of the first valve 505 is controlled bythe information stored in the IC chip 509, it becomes possible tocontrol the supplying of the fluid automatically. Therefore, it can beprevented that the fluid beyond the used-by date and the expirationdate, the fluid which has been deteriorated because of being in a poorstate of preservation, and the like are provided to purchasers.

Moreover, it is possible to discriminate the container 502 and the fluidfilling the container 502 manufactured by one's company from containersand fluid manufactured by the other companies, based on the informationstored in the IC chip 509. Therefore, it is possible to prevent thefluid of the same kind manufactured by the other company from beingsupplied in connection with the supplier manufactured by the one'scompany.

By using the IC chip manufactured by the present invention in thepresent embodiment, the intrusion of harmful gas, water, and impurityelements can be prevented. Therefore, an IC chip in which thedeterioration and damage of the thin film integrated circuit aresuppressed and the reliability is enhanced can be provided. Note thatthe present embodiment can be freely combined with Embodiment Modes 1 to5, and Embodiments 1 to 3.

The present application is based on Japanese Priority application No.2005-158376 filed on May 31, 2005 with the Japanese Patent Office, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

1. A semiconductor device comprising: a first base; a silicon substrateover the first base; an insulating film over the silicon substrate; alayer comprising a thin film transistor over the insulating film,wherein the thin film transistor comprises a semiconductor region; and asecond base over the layer, wherein the first base is touched with thesecond base, wherein at least one of a phase state and electricproperties of the silicon substrate material is not identical with thatof the semiconductor region of the thin film transistor, and wherein thethickness of the silicon substrate is not less than 1 μm and not morethan 20 μm.
 2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a resin layer between the layer and the second base.
 3. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the silicon substrateis a polycrystalline silicon substrate.
 4. The semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the silicon substrate is a singlecrystalline silicon substrate.
 5. The semiconductor device according toclaim 1, wherein the semiconductor device is an IC chip.
 6. Asemiconductor device comprising: a first base; a silicon substrate overthe first base; an insulating film over the silicon substrate; a layercomprising a thin film transistor over the insulating film; and a secondbase over the layer, wherein the first base is touched with the secondbase, and wherein the thickness of the silicon substrate is not lessthan 1 μm and not more than 20 μm.
 7. The semiconductor device accordingto claim 6, further comprising a resin layer between the layer and thesecond base.
 8. The semiconductor device according to claim 6, whereinthe silicon substrate is a polycrystalline silicon substrate.
 9. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 6, wherein the silicon substrateis a single crystalline silicon substrate.
 10. The semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein the semiconductor device is an IC chip.11. A semiconductor device comprising: a first base; a semiconductorsubstrate over the first base; an insulating film over the semiconductorsubstrate; a layer comprising a thin film transistor over the insulatingfilm, wherein the thin film transistor comprises a semiconductor region;and a second base over the layer, wherein the first base is touched withthe second base, wherein at least one of a phase state and electricproperties of the semiconductor substrate material is not identical withthat of the semiconductor region of the thin film transistor, andwherein the thickness of the semiconductor substrate is not less than 1μm and not more than 20 μm.
 12. The semiconductor device according toclaim 11, further comprising a resin layer between the layer and thesecond base.
 13. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, whereinthe semiconductor substrate is a polycrystalline silicon substrate. 14.The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein thesemiconductor substrate is a single crystalline silicon substrate. 15.The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein thesemiconductor device is an IC chip.
 16. A semiconductor devicecomprising: a first base; a semiconductor substrate over the first base;an insulating film over the semiconductor substrate; a layer comprisinga thin film transistor over the insulating film; and a second base overthe layer, wherein the first base is touched with the second base, andwherein the thickness of the semiconductor substrate is not less than 1μm and not more than 20 μm.
 17. The semiconductor device according toclaim 16, further comprising a resin layer between the layer and thesecond base.
 18. The semiconductor device according to claim 16, whereinthe semiconductor substrate is a polycrystalline silicon substrate. 19.The semiconductor device according to claim 16, wherein thesemiconductor substrate is a single crystalline silicon substrate. 20.The semiconductor device according to claim 16, wherein thesemiconductor device is an IC chip.